Bear Canister Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to bear and animal resistant containers. Specifically, this invention relates to a bear canister apparatus that is resistant to being opened by bears and other wildlife and preferred embodiments feature a top that utilizes latches which seal the canister using a tool-less design, creating a water resistant seal between the top and canister.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to bear and animal resistant containers. Specifically, this invention relates to a bear canister apparatus that is resistant to being opened by bears and other wildlife and preferred embodiments feature a top that utilizes latches which seal the canister using a tool-less design, creating a water resistant seal between the top and canister.

BACKGROUND

With camping, hiking and other outdoor activities being popular in today's active lifestyle culture, the development high-tech gear has become commonplace. Developments in material and other sciences have led to numerous advancements in making camping and other outdoor gear more lightweight, convenient and useful.

While many types of gear have improved, one critical piece of gear remains woefully lacking Bear canisters, and other wildlife resistant canisters are designed to seal and protect supplies, usually foodstuffs, from animals. In some places, including certain federal parks and lands, specific types of sealed canisters are required due to the aggressive nature of certain species with respect to foodstuffs carried by campers and other individuals.

In general, the ideal canister is one that cannot be opened by an animal, no matter how diligent the animal is in attempting to open the canister. To this end, many variations have been developed in order to provide a canister that cannot be opened by wildlife. Bears, being particularly clever and curious, have been known to open even canisters with push tabs and other simple sealing devices.

Some companies have turned to development of canisters that require a separate tool to open the canister (e.g., coin, screw driver, key). However, canisters that require a separate tool to open are inconvenient as loss of the tool will result in even the owner of the canister being excluded from its contents. This is particularly troublesome given that these canisters are carried in remote locations and on difficult hikes, where loss of a tool could be probable and lack of access to resources (i.e., foodstuffs in the container) can be dangerous to fatal.

Another disadvantage of canisters utilized currently is that they are all cylindrical in shape. While the cylindrical shape offers structural advantages for strength and crush-resistance, they also end up taking up extra space in a backpack or other carrying item. Further, when carried in a worn backpack, the hardened cylindrical canister puts pressure on the carrier's back, creating soreness, muscle fatigue and back pain. Finally, cylindrical containers are prone to rolling, which is especially precarious when used in common hiking/camping grounds (e.g., mountains, hills).

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a bear canister apparatus that is resistant to being opened by a bear or other wildlife while still being capable of being opened by a human using a tool-less design. Further, there is need in the art for a bear canister apparatus that is non-cylindrical in form while still retaining structural strength and providing the additional advantage limiting stress on the spine and back. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a bear canister apparatus that is resistant to being opened by a bear or other wildlife by providing a top that seals to a canister portion of the apparatus utilizing a tool-less design.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bear canister apparatus includes: a canister body comprising a back side that is substantially flat, a curved front side and a flat bottom side, wherein said back side, said curved front side and said flat bottom side are connected and form a interior canister cavity; a top interior rim, formed proximate to a side of said canister body opposite to said flat bottom side, comprising at least one latching means; and a lid component, configured to be removably secured to said side of said canister body opposite to said flat bottom side via said at least one latching means, wherein said lid component comprises at least one cut-out configured to receive said at least one latching means.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one latching means comprises a plunger, a rotating body, wherein said rotating body is allowed to move from a locked position to an unlocked position and back when said plunger is fully depressed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid component is secured to said canister body when at least one of said at least one latching means is in said locked position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid component further comprises at least one plunger protective covering, wherein said at least one plunger protective covering covers at least one of said at least one latching means when said at least one latching means is in said locked position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locked position and the unlocked position are transitioned between when said rotating body is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the back side said curved front side and said flat bottom side are integrally formed from a single piece.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the canister body is created through an injection molding process.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid component secures to the canister body such that no side edge of said lid component extends above a top edge of said canister body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one latching means is secured to said top interior rim via a securing element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the securing element is a screw.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the canister body further comprises one or more securing means, and wherein said lid component is comprised of an equal number of receiving cut-outs configured to receive said securing means.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one latching means do not require an additional tool to open.

The foregoing summary of the present invention with the preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood and obvious to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention thus described may be further modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary latching system used in conjunction with an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of perspective view of an exemplary latching system used in conjunction with an exemplary bear canister apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION

The present invention generally relates to bear and animal resistant containers. Specifically, this invention relates to a bear canister apparatus that is resistant to being opened by bears and other wildlife and preferred embodiments feature a top that utilizes latches which seal the canister using a tool-less design, creating a water resistant seal between the top and canister.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bear canister apparatus is provided, comprising a canister body, a top interior rim, one or more latching means and a lid component. In a preferred embodiment, the canister body is tapered, with the larger side at the top of the canister body, where the top interior rim is located, and a smaller side on the bottom of the canister body. This allows the canister body a larger opening than those found on cylindrical bear canister, making the insertion of items into the bear canister apparatus more convenient.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the canister body is formed with a back side that is substantially flat or curved at a minor slope, such as a slope that mimics the curvature of a human back. The flat back side, or one that is only at a minor slope, allows for the canister to be inserted into a backpack with the flat back side facing the side of the backpack that will contact the wearer's back. In this manner, the flat back side fits closer to the wearer's spine and more evenly distributes the pressure caused by having a hard canister in a backpack. This provides comfort and convenience to the wearer of a backpack containing the bear canister apparatus as described herein.

In preferred embodiments, the front side of the canister body is formed in a semi-circular manner. The result of the substantially flat backside and semi-circular front side is a canister body that forms a “D” shape or a shape that is substantially close to a “D” shape. The “D” shaped canister body, or one that is substantially “D” shaped, allows the bear canister apparatus to provide the comfort of a flat backed design with the structural support and integrity found in a cylindrical design. Canister body's formed in this manner provide the structural support required to sustain repeated mauling or crushing forces applied to it, both by the environment and wildlife that attempt to open it for the purpose of retrieving the contents of the bear canister apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom side of the canister body is integrally formed with the canister body and creates a sealed container cavity inside the container body. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom side, back side and front of the canister body are created from a single piece of material, such as formed through the process of injection molding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous methods for forming a container comprising two or more sides from a single piece of material, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate construction method.

In an alternate embodiment, the bottom side, back side and front side of the canister body may be formed from two or more pieces of material and connected together via one or more means (e.g., welding, melting, adhesives/epoxies, screws, bolts, rivets). Preferably, the two or more pieces are connected in a manner that seals the contents from the exterior in a protective manner (e.g., waterproof, water resistant, hermetically sealed). One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous methods for creating a canister body from two or more pieces of material, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate construction method.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the canister body, opposite the bottom side, forms an opening, allowing for the insertion of items and materials into an interior cavity formed between the interior walls of the front side, rear side and bottom side portions of the canister body. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a top interior rim is formed at the top of the interior cavity.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top interior rim lines the entire interior circumference of the interior cavity along the top interior walls, opposite the bottom side. In a preferred embodiment, the top interior rim is inset a small distance from a top edge of the container body allowing for a lid component to be received upon the top interior rim in such a manner that the top of the lid component is flush, or substantially flush, with the highest point of the walls of the canister body. This allows for the lid component is received upon the top interior rim in a manner that provides no edge for an animal to grab or tear at.

In other embodiments, the top interior rim does not line the entire interior circumference of the interior cavity. Instead, other components (described below) work in conjunction with one another to provide an attachment means for the lid component to connect to securely. For instance, the top interior rim may have one or more ledges configured to support the lid component, with the lid component being secured to one or more latches and support means to ensure the lid component stays attached to the canister body. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous top interior rim configurations that could be utilized, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top interior rim may be comprised of one or more elements selected from the group comprising a sealing component, one or more latching means and one or more support means. In a preferred embodiment, the top interior rim is comprised of a narrow ledge that lines the entire interior circumference of the interior cavity, with a plurality of support means and a plurality of latching means configured to secure a lid component to the canister body. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that any number of latching means, support means and sealing components could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any number of latching means, support means and sealing components.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing component is configured to create a waterproof, water resistant, hermetic, or other type of seal between the canister body (or the top interior rim) and the lid component. Advantageously, a sealed bear canister apparatus works as its own deterrent as bears and other wildlife may be less attracted or not attracted at all to containers that do not emit an odor. Further advantages include the protection of the contents of the bear canister apparatus from environmental damage (e.g., water, dust, mold).

Sealing components may include, but are not limited to, O-rings, neoprene rings, gaskets, sealing tapes, silicone, silicone rings, compression rings or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of sealing components that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of sealing component. While use of a sealing component is optional, a preferred embodiment including a sealing component would utilize a neoprene ring that is secured to a top portion of the top interior rim and is configured to come into contact with the lid component when the canister is closed, creating a waterproof or water resistant seal.

In other embodiments, the sealing component could be attached to the lid component. In still further embodiments, a sealing component of the canister body and a sealing component of the lid component could mate in order to form a seal. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous methods for forming a seal, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such sealing method.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more latching means are utilized to seal and secure the lid component to the canister body (and/or the top interior rim of the canister body). In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latching means is a tool-less latching means comprising a plunger attached to a rotating body that has a compression spring providing upward force on the plunger. Attached to the plunger is a paddle that is nestles in a recessed area of the lid component. The paddle is only accessible when the plunger is depressed. The entire latching means is secured to the top interior rim, for instance via a mounting screw threaded through a ledge extending from the top interior rim and into a bottom of the rotating body, mounting the entire latching means to the top interior rim / ledge. The latching means is moved from a locked to an unlocked position by depressing the plunger against the resistive force of the compression spring until the plunger is fully depressed. The force of the depressed plunger releases the paddle which flips upward (when not in the recessed portion of the lid component), then using the paddle and the plunger to rotate the rotating body in the appropriate direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise).

In use, the preferred embodiment of the latching means starts in an unlocked position (paddle and plunger in up position). The lid component is then placed onto the top interior rim of the canister body, the lid component having appropriate cut-out portions allowing for the latching means (in an unlocked position) to slide through. Once the lid component is situated appropriately on the top of the canister body (and/or top interior rim) the latching means may be utilized to seal the lid component to the canister body (and/or top interior rim). In general, this is by depressing the plunger and paddle of the locking means and rotating the plunger and paddle once completely depressed (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). Once locked, the user may flip the paddle down into its nestled position in the recessed portion of the lid component. In certain embodiments, the plunger may be covered by a protective covering when in the locked position. For instance, the plunger, when rotated from the unlocked position to a locked position, may move underneath a protective covering attached to or formed in the lid component. Advantageously, this works to protect the plunger and latching means from being accidentally operated by wildlife attempting to maul or otherwise open the bear canister apparatus.

In other embodiments, the latching means could be any type of latching means, including those with designs that require the use of a tool. Preferably, in most embodiments, the desire would be to have a latching means that would be tamper proof and wildlife resistant. Bear canisters with latching means that require tools to open, or other non-preferred latching means may lack the advantage of providing secure and convenient latching means, but these bear canisters would still have the other advantages described herein, such as being able to be retained against the back of an individual without causing back pain or fatigue.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top interior rim may be comprised of one or more support means, configured to increase the stability and support of the lid component when received upon the top interior rim of the canister body. Support means include, but are not limited to: receiving pins, tabs, screws, hooked arms, ledges or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of support means that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of support means. In a preferred embodiment, the top interior rim of the canister body comprises a plurality of support means formed as pins, configured to line up with and be received in holes or divots incorporated into the lid component. In this manner, the support means work in conjunction with the latching means in ensuring that the lid component stays situated upon and sealed to the canister body (and/or the top interior rim).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid component is comprised of a structure formed to be received upon the top of the canister body (and/or the top interior rim) in such a manner as to allow for the sealing and securing of the lid component to and upon the canister body (and/or top interior rim). As noted above, preferred embodiments of the lid component include one or more cut-outs for allowing an identical number of latching means to be received through. Further, preferred embodiments of the lid component include one or more receiving cut-outs for an identical number of securing means from the canister body. In alternate embodiments, the securing means could be attached to the lid component and the receiving cut-outs could be located on the top interior rim or the canister body.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid component is shaped and formed to be received such that the edges of the top side of the lid component are flush or substantially flush with the top edge of the canister body. In this manner, no edges exist that would provide wildlife the ability to claw or otherwise maul at an exposed edge, creating an area of weakness. With a flush or substantially flush lid component, there are no exposed edges to be exploited.

Exemplary Embodiments

Turning now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a bear canister apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this view, a lid component 102 is secured a canister body 101 via two latching means 103. FIG. 2 is a side view of this embodiment, with it being clear that the edges of lid component 102 are flush with the canister body 101. Also, in FIGS. 1-2, it is apparent that the shape is substantially “D” shaped, with tapered sides. In certain embodiments, the tapered sides are provided during the creation process of the canister body, which in certain cases, may be done by injection molding. The tapered sides provide the bear canister apparatus the advantage of being easily packed into a backpack or other container, as well as allowing for a large opening for the insertion of materials in the top end of the canister. In other embodiments, other creation processes and means may be utilized, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any creation process.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a canister body and lid component are shown, focusing on the latching means securing the lid component to the canister body. FIG. 4 shows the detailed view of the latching means, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a paddle 401, a plunger 402 and rotating body 403 are secured to a ledge 404 by a screw 405. Rotating the rotating body 403 from a locked position to an unlocked position releases locking element 406 from the locking element receiver 407.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a bear canister apparatus with the lid component removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown. In this embodiment, two latching means 503 and two securing means 504 are shown attached to a top interior rim 502 of a canister body 501. The lid component would fit over the two securing means 504 and allow for the two latching means 503 to secure the lid component to the canister body 501.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an exploded view of a latching means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this view, a paddle 601, a plunger 602 secures to a rotating body, comprised of a rotating body element 604, compression spring 605 and force clip 606. The rotating body is secured to a ledge 607 of the top interior rim 608 via a screw 609.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 

1. A bear canister apparatus comprising: a canister body comprising a back side that is substantially flat, a curved front side and a flat bottom side, wherein said back side, said curved front side and said flat bottom side are connected and form a interior canister cavity; a top interior rim, formed proximate to a side of said canister body opposite to said flat bottom side, comprising at least one latching means; and a lid component, configured to be removably secured to said side of said canister body opposite to said flat bottom side via said at least one latching means, wherein said lid component comprises at least one cut-out configured to receive said at least one latching means.
 2. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one latching means comprises a plunger, a rotating body, wherein said rotating body is allowed to move from a locked position to an unlocked position and back when said plunger is fully depressed.
 3. The bear canister apparatus of claim 2, wherein said lid component is secured to said canister body when at least one of said at least one latching means is in said locked position.
 4. The bear canister apparatus of claim 2, wherein said lid component further comprises at least one plunger protective covering, wherein said at least one plunger protective covering covers at least one of said at least one latching means when said at least one latching means is in said locked position.
 5. The bear canister apparatus of claim 2, wherein said locked position and said unlocked position are transitioned between when said rotating body is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
 6. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said back side said curved front side and said flat bottom side are integrally formed from a single piece.
 7. The bear canister apparatus of claim 6, wherein said canister body is created through an injection molding process.
 8. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lid component secures to said canister body such that no side edge of said lid component extends above a top edge of said canister body.
 9. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one latching means is secured to said top interior rim via a securing element.
 10. The bear canister apparatus of claim 9, where said securing element is a screw.
 11. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said canister body further comprises one or more securing means, and wherein said lid component is comprised of an equal number of receiving cut-outs configured to receive said securing means.
 12. The bear canister apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one latching means do not require an additional tool to open. 